Patrick's Home

This entire project started right here - when Patrick and I were first introduced to one another (by Tim Sandler). I asked Patrick how I could help, and he told me that he could really use a new computer and a bike (so that he could communicate with me, as well as get from Gulu to his village in less than the 8-hours it took by foot). This is one of the first photos he sent me - from his new co

Since a tin roof was relatively inexpensive, I pressed him to tell me how much it would be to build a new, fully bricked home. When I learned that it was less than US$3,000, I jumped on the opportunity. This was one of the next photos I got back from Patrick, and it floored me. The VERY first thing he did with the money I had sent him was to have steel doors and windows made. Nobody was going

Along the way, I came to realize how different the construction process truly is. There is no ACME Brick or Sherwin Williams in Gulu. Every aspect of the project was done manually. This is a picture of the brick-making process after they have been baked.

The building process took several months, as Patrick was only able to work on his home during the weekends. He started with a basic plan and built a 2-room structure that would serve as both a safe shelter for himself, as well as another room used to provide goods and services to others in his village.

Our first building was a huge learning experience for the both of us. We learned everything - how much it cost to build a 2-room structure, who is able to help make brick and steel doors, and where to get the solar panels for the light. Patrick is super proud of his first building, and he now calls it his home.

I had a chance to see our building for myself. It was amazing to see how much this structure has become a central gathering for the village. This truly inspired me to do more of this for others.